Finland to close 4 border crossings, accusing Russia of organizing flow of migrants

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö on Wednesday linked Russia’s actions to Finland's NATO membership in April after decades of military non-alignment, something that infuriated Moscow.

Last asylum-seeking families at Ramada moving to Portland motel

They are the last of roughly 20 families housed at the Lewiston inn.

Maine asks for federal waiver to let asylum seekers go to work

Although there is no provision for such waivers, the request comes as advocates lobby Congress to support a bill sponsored by Rep. Chellie Pingree to shorten the waiting time for work permits.

Move-in date for Brunswick asylum-seekers delayed by fire

A fire at one of the buildings being constructed for 60 asylum-seeking families at Brunswick Landing delayed the construction schedule.

National campaign launches to promote Pingree’s asylum seeker work bill

The campaign is rallying support for the bipartisan House Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, which would reduce wait times for work permits from at least 180 days to just 30 days.

Massachusetts governor warns state’s shelter system is nearing capacity

As a 'right-to-shelter' state, Massachusetts is legally required to provide shelter to eligible families.

Portland sued for ending Expo lease to accommodate asylum seekers

At the heart of the case is whether Portland had the right to terminate a lease with Promerica Health because of 'sudden' and 'unforseen circumstances' that led to opening a temporary shelter space for asylum seekers.

Photos: Lewiston immigrant community celebrates back to school

Local schools make last-minute push to prepare for new students from asylum-seeking families

In Freeport and Sanford, schools have hired English instructors and made other adjustments needed to welcome dozens of new students.

Freeport hotel home to 40 asylum-seeking families after Portland closes arena shelter

The City of Portland negotiated a yearlong contract with Freeport's Casco Bay Inn to house 40 asylum-seeking families, who will choose to enroll their children in either Portland or Freeport school systems.